Notting Hill Carnival | The ghosts of costumes past and the skeletons of present

Notting Hill Carnival, a flamboyant splash of colour with costumes of all sizes and people from the world over, will be gracing the streets of London in Europe's biggest street festival in ten days.

My gorgeous mummy. Queen of Elimu Paddington Arts Mass band

And whilst the rush to complete these portable works of art takes hold, I thought I'd give you a little peak behind the scenes to some of our (Elimu's) creations both from the past and the present...

Mum and Sister

'On tour, Shanghai loved this costume so much it made it onto the front of one of their National Newspapers. Yay Mummy!

Mum preparing for exhibition at Ally Pally (Alexandra Palace) 2011

Nolan. King of Elimu Paddington arts Mass band. 

 This year, as with most years prior, time is not on our side. 

With ten days to go, the bare bones of the Queen's costume are all that stands.  (Note: there are still more bones to add. Shh. Don't tell anybody)

Will we make it in time? ... Of course we will. Nothing beats a ticking clock, an impending deadline and a bit of pressure to get the ol' juices flowing. Mind you, looking at it in this state is quite scary. However, we've been here before. 

Last minute panicking, late night/early morning sewing, welding, sanding and or sawing is no new thing for us. In fact, it's pretty much customary. Many have gone without sleep to get the costumes out in time, and I'm sure this year will be no different. 

Plus, In the nineteen years my mum's played the role of Queen she's never not had a costume completed nor has any other big costume in the band, so... we'll be fine. 

But I've probably just gone and jinxed us all now though, right?  I'm touching wood. Don't worry, I'm touching wood. 

Notting Hill carnival takes place on Sunday the 24th & Bank holiday Monday the 25th of August. Will you be popping by?